Low-cost spay/neuter clinic opens in Tacoma

Photo by john larson

OPERATING ROOM. Coalition: Humane Spay and Neuter Clinic has averaged 27 operations a day since opening in early March.

The first low-cost spay/neuter clinic in Western Washington is open and playing a role in reducing the killing of unwanted dogs and cats in Pierce County, a number estimated at more than 10,000. Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project opened Coalition: Humane Spay and Neuter Clinic March 3. It is located at 2106 Tacoma Avenue South.

Holly Bukes, a board member for the organization, said it used to issue vouchers that people could take to veterinarians to use to pay for the procedures. This was a less than ideal situation, and the organization wanted something that would provide service promptly, before a dog or cat became pregnant.

There are no geographic limitations for clients, although Bukes said most so far have been Pierce County residents. It gets referrals from Humane Society of Tacoma/Pierce County. Some have learned of it through http://www.craigslist.com.

Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project began raising money for the facility in March 2007. Bukes said the building they are leasing was one large room before it underwent extensive remodeling.

Clients enter at the lobby, where they begin the process by filling out paperwork. Next the pet undergoes an examination. Prior to the surgery they are cleaned, shaved and anesthetized.

There are two surgery rooms, one for dogs and one for cats. A laundry room in the back is used for the significant amount of towels and blankets used in the clinic.

The facility accepts its animal patients Monday through Thursday. The pets are kept overnight to recover from the surgery and their owners can pick them up the following morning.

The clinic employs one front office person, one licensed veterinary technician and two veterinarian anesthesiologists.

The clinic is modeled after one in Asheville, N.C. Several representatives of Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project traveled back there to learn about how it operates. Staff from that clinic came out to Tacoma prior to the clinic opening here.

As of March 28 the clinic had performed procedures on 377 animals. “The need is there,” Bukes said.

Fees vary based on services provided and the size of animals. Financial assistance may be available for those who cannot afford the cost.

Patty Rusnak was involved with Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project when it started in 2001 and now serves as vice president of its board. For her, saving animals from euthanasia is a life-long cause.

Humans have a wide range of social services available to them in times of need. Rusnak feels dogs and cats deserve something, and the clinic fits this need. “Prevention is the best way to reduce the euthanasia rate,” she observed. “I look at this as animal care, not animal control.”

Rusnak attributes Pierce County’s high rate of euthanasia to several factors. One is people acquiring pets that do not fit well with their living situation, such as a large dog in a small apartment.

The large military population in the area, with their frequent moves to other states or deployments overseas, results in many of these individuals and families dropping off their pets at a shelter when they leave. “I think the military needs to step forward on this issue,” she remarked. “When you get an animal it should be a life-long commitment.”

Last month the organization had some local veterinarians tour the facility. Many of them were not familiar with high-volume operations, Rusnak noted.

The clinic has averaged 27 operations a day in its first few weeks. Rusnak said the goal is 42 in a 10-hour day. She hopes to see two additional surgery tables added in the near future.

Another goal is to have a transportation service, which would pick up pets around Western Washington, bring them to the clinic and take them back home the following day.

Low-income pet owners are starting to find out about the clinic. One heard about it at a food bank.

The organization’s leaders studied demographic factors in choosing this location, Rusnak explained. One thing they looked for was a location serviced by public transportation. Pierce Transit has a route that runs along Tacoma Avenue, with a bus stop near the clinic. Rusnak said their first feline patient was brought to the clinic by its owner via Para-Transit.

For more information visit http://www.coalitionhumane.org.

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